Brake Pads

Motor shows have always been one of the foremost gatherings that auto makers take advantage of so as to showcase the advances they have made in the design and performance of their vehicles. More often than not, a motor show is characterized by an influx of concept vehicles.

This type of vehicles is designed using cutting edge design concepts, advanced engine technology and would also come loaded with futuristic features. These vehicles are only used to showcase the technologies developed by car manufacturers.

The features shown on these vehicles will only be used on production vehicles after some time. The reason for this is that the features on concept vehicles are significantly expensive to produce. This means that further development is needed to bring down the cost of production of features used on concept vehicles for them to be made available for mass produced vehicles.

The upcoming New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), dubbed as the biggest event of its kind, will be hosting concept vehicles from United States’ second largest car manufacturer, Ford. This year, the Ford Motor Company will be showcasing three concept vehicles – two from Ford and one from Lincoln. All of these three concept vehicles are showing the path that Ford Motor Company is willing to take in the near future.

The first of the three concept vehicles is the Ford Airstream. The design of the concept vehicle is largely influenced by the film “2001: A Space Odyssey” which is a masterpiece done by Stanley Kubrick. The futuristic design of the vehicle is evident in its aluminum finish and radically designed windows and extended windshield. The vehicle is not only futuristic in terms of its exterior looks but also in the way it is powered. The Ford Airstream is a plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel cell vehicle. This means that aside from the fuel cell, the vehicle is also equipped with a powerful battery pack which provides added power. The vehicle is an electric vehicle in a sense that it runs on electric power alone thus no harmful emission is released.

Another concept vehicle that Ford will be unveiling at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan is the flex fuel vehicle that is the Ford Interceptor. The concept is loosely based on the Ford Mustang and provides just as much power as its cousin. The vehicle runs on E85 which is a combination of 85 percent bio-ethanol and 15 percent conventional gasoline. The bio-ethanol burning engine can produce as much as 400 horsepower. That amount of power could only be stopped by highly efficient brake components like Brake Pads“>EBC brake pads. To match the power of the vehicle, Ford gives the Interceptor advanced safety features like their patented four-point “belts and suspenders”. For passengers on the second row of seats, the Ford Interceptor provides inflatable safety belts.

Aside from the two concept vehicles from Ford, one of its divisions, Lincoln, also developed a concept vehicle. Lincoln’s MKR Concept is a four-door coupe packed with a long list of luxury features. What the Lincoln MKR brings to the table is the uniqueness of their luxury trims like the leather which is chemical free. The powerplant of the concept is a 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin turbocharger and direct injection feature. The engine runs on gasoline and can produce as much as 415 brake horsepower.

Anthony Fontanelle
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/new-york-international-auto-show-to-host-fords-concept-cars-121441.html

Stopping the vehicle is one of the essential parts of driving. We have all been driving down the road at one time or another, just to hear the squeaking of breaks that come along with vehicles that are driving by. Sometimes, it’s our own vehicles that are making these squeaky brakes. Many drivers are unaware of the problems that can come with squeaking brakes. Did you know that this often an indication of brakes that have been worn down, or brakes that need attention from a mechanic or other vehicle professional?

What causes brakes to squeak? Vibrations that come through the breaks squeaking can cause the irritating squeaking that we have come to know. The high frequency of the vibrations results in the high pitch squeaking. Alternatively, the squeaking can come from the disc that secures the brakes, when the vehicle is coming to a stop.

How are brake problems fixed? Many times, the complete brake system requires replacing to correct the problem that is associated with the squeaking brakes, other times. The Brake Pads, brake discs and shoes can all be replaced when the brakes begin to squeak because the surfaces on the brakes are exposed to each other without any padding.

Sometimes, new brakes have been known to squeal immediately after they have been replaced. If this is the case, give the brakes a few days to measure if the noise has subsided. If not, return to the mechanic to have the breaks examined to ensure that all components were installed correctly.

Did you know that depending on when the squealing of the brakes is present, than it can help to diagnose the problem? Did you know that a constant squeaking or squealing could mean that the brakes have dirt, grime or even a stone stuck within the mechanism? If the brake noises stop and start throughout the duration of the trip than it could mean that the brake pads are wearing down. Regardless of the noise coming from the vehicle, it is important to have the problem checked by a mechanic immediately, as it can mean there are serious safety issues occurring within the vehicle: after all, it is important that we are able to stop the vehicle when necessary, quickly and with ease.

Brakes are an essential part to the vehicle, therefore ease should be taken when choosing to install the brakes at home. Sometimes, errors can occur which can decrease the effectiveness of the brakes when they are truly required. If you choose to install your brakes at home, you should have proper know-how about technique, procedure and specific trouble shooting tips for brake installation.

Many drivers are unaware of the fact that brakes squeaking can be difficult to diagnose and can be even more difficult to stop. Did you know that in many vehicle manuals, brake squeaking is defined as being a normal function of the vehicle, as there is no liability to the auto Production Company, or warranty? For this reason, check your brakes – know your vehicle and be ready to take it into a licensed mechanic.

Brenda Williams
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/stopping-squealing-brakes-681368.html

Swiss Stop brake pads are different than standard brake pads. Their complex compound requires slightly different servicing and installation to ensure top performance.

Normal black rubber pads require filing regularly to expose fresh and clean compound. We do not recommend regular filing of Swiss Stop brake pads because Swiss Stop brake pads do not collect aluminum. All that is required to clean the pads is a good wipe with a damp rag. If you feel like they are extremely dirty and a rag is not enough try using sand paper.

Many riders may also benefit from removing the toe-in that is often required with black rubber pads. If you previously had rubber pads installed at a bike shop, then you likely have toe-in. Swiss Stop pads operate very quietly. Toe-in only reduces braking performance by stressing the leading edge of the pad. Best performance is experienced when the braking force is evenly distributed along the entire length of the brake pad.

Swiss Stop’s yellow colored Brake Pads are designed specifically for carbon rims with light weight components. Predictable braking is just one of the many benefits of Swiss Stop brake pads. These pads are different than standard brake pads and have an optimum compound containing a variety of materials that produce outstanding braking performance with minimal effort with the brake lever.

Swiss Stop is proud to be the “unofficial” choice of many professional cyclists. Many Pro Riders have switched out their stock brake pads for Swiss Stop over the past several years. With state of the art materials and 70 years in the industry are the foundation of the Swiss Stop products.

If you have any questions about Swiss Stop brake pads or have a helpful tip, email us. We’d love to hear your feedback! We may even post it on our website and send you something!

Arthor Pens
http://www.articlesbase.com/equipment-articles/caring-for-swiss-stop-pads-705104.html